Atlanta Falcons: Five greatest running backs of all-time

Jul 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field during training camp at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michael Turner

When Michael Turner arrived, there was a very high expectancy as he had been second fiddle to a shoe-in Hall-of-Famer, Ladanian Tomlinson. But what Turner showed in glimpses in San Diego became a full-time attraction in Atlanta as he shattered the hopes and dreams of opponents, quickly becoming one of the best in franchise history.

Being a bigger variety of running back, he was not known for burning corners or sprinting around the edge. But he became feared with the way he catapulted up the middle, leaving a wake of destruction in linemen and linebackers picking themselves up off the turf as he had rolled through them with ease.

In four years, he bowled his way through opposing defenses for 6,081 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry. And as the offense centered around the bruising back, he pounded his way up the mountain of fame that accompanies him in the top-5. Turner ranks second in all-time rushing yards for the Falcons, and first in rushing touchdowns, and it’s safe to say the latter accomplishment will remain his for years to come.

One has to wonder how San Diego’s future may have changed if they hadn’t let this beast of a running back walk away?

Next: The best Falcons' running back of all-time